From humble beginnings to becoming Australia's most trusted boutique tour operator - this is our story.
Homoprifer Tours began as a dream shared by four university mates over a campfire in the heart of the Australian Outback. Jake Thompson, Sarah Chen, Mike O'Sullivan, and Emma Wilson had just completed an epic road trip across the continent, and they realised something profound: despite living in one of the world's most incredible countries, most visitors only scratched the surface of what Australia had to offer.
The name "Homoprifer" itself reflects our philosophy – derived from Latin meaning "one who brings forth" or "bearer of gifts" – we saw ourselves as gift-bearers, sharing the treasures of our homeland with visitors from around the world.
Armed with nothing but passion, a beaten-up Toyota HiLux, and an unwavering belief that Australia deserved better representation in tourism, they officially registered Homoprifer Tours in Melbourne on March 15, 2009. Their first office was Jake's garage in Brunswick, complete with a fold-out table and a determination to change how people experienced Australia.
The early days were challenging but exhilarating. Our first tour was a three-day Grampians adventure with a family from Germany who had found us through a backpacker hostel notice board. With borrowed camping equipment and more enthusiasm than experience, we guided them through hidden waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal rock art sites, and secret viewpoints that most tourists never discover.
Word spread quickly through the backpacker network. What set us apart wasn't just our knowledge – it was our genuine love for sharing Australia's stories. We weren't just showing people places; we were sharing our home, our culture, and our deep connection to this land.
By 2011, we had outgrown Jake's garage and the Fitzroy office. Our reputation for authentic, small-group experiences was spreading beyond backpacker hostels to boutique travel agencies and word-of-mouth recommendations. This period marked our transition from a hobby business to a professional operation.
We made several crucial decisions during this phase that would define our future. First, we committed to keeping group sizes small (maximum 12 people) to maintain the intimate, personalised experience that made us special. Second, we invested heavily in training and hiring only guides who shared our passion and local knowledge. Third, we began partnering with Aboriginal communities to ensure our cultural tours were authentic and respectful.
The mid-2010s brought unprecedented growth and recognition. Our commitment to sustainable tourism and authentic experiences began attracting attention from industry bodies and international travel publications. We were no longer the scrappy startup operating from a garage – we were becoming a respected voice in Australian tourism.
This period also saw us tackle one of our biggest challenges: how to grow while maintaining the personal touch that made us special. We developed comprehensive training programs for new guides and implemented systems to ensure every tour met our high standards, regardless of which team member was leading it.
As we entered our second decade, we faced new challenges and opportunities. The rise of social media changed how people discovered and shared travel experiences, and we embraced these platforms to showcase the real Australia beyond tourist clichés. We also began seeing more environmentally conscious travellers, which aligned perfectly with our sustainable tourism practices.
2020 brought unprecedented challenges with the global pandemic, but it also reinforced our commitment to supporting local communities and domestic tourism. While international borders closed, we pivoted to help Australians rediscover their own backyard, launching the "Aussie Explorer" series of tours designed specifically for domestic travellers.
Today, Homoprifer Tours is recognised as one of Australia's premier boutique tour operators, but we've never lost sight of our founding principles. We still operate small groups, we still hire guides who are passionate locals, and we still believe that the best way to experience Australia is through authentic connections with people and places.
Our recent achievements reflect not just our growth, but our continued commitment to excellence and innovation in tourism. We've pioneered new approaches to sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, and personalised travel experiences that are now being adopted by operators worldwide.
Fifteen years after four friends decided to share their love of Australia with the world, Homoprifer Tours has grown into something beautiful: a company that proves business success and authentic values can coexist. Every decision we make is guided by the same principles that drove us in 2009:
As we look toward the future, we're excited about new opportunities to share Australia's wonders while pioneering more sustainable and meaningful forms of tourism. We're developing new partnerships with conservation groups, expanding our Aboriginal cultural programs, and exploring innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact even further.
But some things will never change: our commitment to small groups, authentic experiences, and the belief that travel has the power to create understanding between people and cultures. Whether you're our 1st guest or our 10,000th, you'll receive the same passionate, personalised service that has defined Homoprifer Tours for 15 years.
Here's to the next chapter of adventures, discoveries, and the continuing journey of sharing Australia's incredible story with the world.